A Spurs fan is pursued by a mob of Knicks fans in New York following Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Credit: X / @usanewshq
Ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is warning Spurs fans in New York to “stay vigilant” and watch each others’ backs in the wake of unruly behavior by some Knicks supporters.
Jones’ words of caution come after Knicks fans were captured on video gathering in mobs following the Spurs’ 115-111 victory Monday night over New York — and in some cases harassing people in San Antonio jerseys.
“I’ve seen the videos and the reports of Spurs fans in New York being chased, harassed, even having their jerseys torn off their bodies,” Jones said in a video shared Tuesday on Instagram.
“San Antonio Spurs fans, if you’re still in New York, please be vigilant,” she added. “Please look after one another, and I look forward to celebrating with you when you’re back in town.”
Videos circulating on X and elsewhere show Knicks fans targeting people in San Antonio Spurs jerseys and attempting to tear them off. Police made at least 21 arrests following a watch party in Midtown Manhattan.
“This is a time for us to celebrate and uplift our teams and cheer them on to victory,” Jones said in her message. “I hope that we will continue to do that with class and safety.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued his own warning to Knicks fans ahead of Game 4, saying the bad behavior is unacceptable.
“New Yorkers are understandably passionate about the Knicks, and the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game last night in ways that were both safe and fun,” Mamdani said. “But the fights and other disruptive incidents — including assaults on police officers — in various parts of our city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Game 4 of the NBA Finals will get underway at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The game will air on ABC and ESPN in addition to streaming on YouTube TV and Hulu.
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